Syphilis Linked to Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes - Summary - MDSpire

Syphilis Linked to Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes

Matched cohort study shows higher risks across vascular events and mortality

  • By

  • Kathryn Wighton

  • April 20, 2026

  • 3 min

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Objective:

To evaluate the association between syphilis infection and cardiovascular outcomes in patients without preexisting cardiovascular disease.

Approach:
    Key Findings:
    • Patients with syphilis had higher rates of myocardial infarction (7% vs 4%), ischemic stroke (10% vs 6%), hemorrhagic stroke (2% vs 1%), aortic aneurysm or dissection (3% vs 1%), and peripheral artery disease (6% vs 4%).
    • Syphilis was independently associated with increased risk of multiple cardiovascular outcomes after multivariable adjustment.
    • Markedly elevated mortality risk associated with syphilis (hazard ratio, 5.80; 95% CI, 3.81–8.82).
    • No significant differences observed for heart failure, atrial fibrillation, aortic regurgitation, or venous thromboembolism.
    • Tertiary syphilis was linked to increased cardiovascular risks, while primary or secondary syphilis showed no associations.
    Interpretation:

    Syphilis infection is associated with increased risks of several adverse cardiovascular outcomes, particularly affecting vascular tissues.

    Limitations:
    • Retrospective design may introduce bias.
    • Potential residual confounding.
    • Reliance on diagnostic codes for syphilis identification.
    • Lack of data on treatment status or laboratory measures.
    Conclusion:

    Early detection and treatment of syphilis may be crucial, and cardiovascular risk assessment should be integrated into syphilis management.

    Sources:

Original Source(s)

Syphilis Linked to Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • April 20, 2026

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